By KIMBER KAY
The teaming of Robin Williams and Billy Crystal in 'Father's Day' is refreshing, even if the plot stunk.
The plot is built upon the premise that Collette Andrews, played by Nastassja Kinski, has contacted two of her old lovers and told them they are the fathers of her runaway son, Scott. She persuades them to help look for her son, and they team up for the search.
Williams is Dale Putley, a struggling writer in San Francisco, is contemplating suicide when he receives the call from Andrews. He is a manic depressive, and lives in his own chaotic world, that collides with uptight lawyer Jack Lawrence, played by Crystal. Putley is annoyed and frightened by Lawrence, who has panic attacks while driving, and dreams he runs over people.
Putley and Lawrence are both childless, and have hilarious reactions to the idea of being a father, hence the title of the film.
Their mission is to save their 'son' from his user-girlfriend and the drug-infested band they have been following around. This is complicated by Lawrence's wife Carrie, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. She is trying to track down Jack but keeps running into Putley instead. Dreyfus is almost wasted in this role. She has comedic potential, but is reduced to being a bland, concerned wife.
The sillier the plot gets, the better the film. Lawrence uses his skills as a lawyer to push people around and bring down big burly men with a head butt. Putley is emotionally unstable and weeps constantly. They compete over Scott, both trying to prove to the other that they are the real father of the boy. Scott thinks they are both loony and runs away from them. The chase is on.
Andrews gets away with being a snot in the film because she is beautiful, but she doesn't have much to do with moving the plot. She plays the traditional helpless female role.
A brief cameo of Mel Gibson, as a tattooed and body-pierced rock fan was well worth the $6 admission.
This isn't a big blockbuster. In fact, on opening night the shows did not sell out at the Academy Theater. But comedic chemistry between Williams and Crystal is perfect. 'Father's Day' will make you laugh out loud.
Rated PG-13 for language and adult humor.